In a time when both parents are usually working and very busy, it is important that they still take the time to prepare good lunches for their children.  Making sure children get a nutritional lunch every day is important, because balanced meals promote health and growth, as well as provide energy for play and learning.
    A report published in 1997 by the National Educational Association (NEA) states, “Nutrition has a strong physical, emotional and intellectual impact on a child’s ability to learn.”  When children are undernourished or hungry, they are less active physically, less attentive, less curious and less able to concentrate.
    “The four basic food groups–milk, meat, fruits/vegetables and grains–are still the best way to evaluate a meal,” said Kathy Mount, Chief Clinical Dietitian at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “Balance is the most important thing for parents to remember when packing a lunch,” said Mount.  “Foods from each food group should be included.”  It is recommended that a child has three servings a day from the milk group (teenagers need four), two from the meat group, four from the fruits and vegetables group, and four from the grains group.
    Mount encourages parents to pack their child’s lunch or prepare meals at home whenever possible because parents have no way of controlling the food eaten by their children at restaurants, which usually have a higher fat content than foods prepared at home.
    If parents are not able to pack lunches, Mount does encourage children to eat school lunches.  “I do support school lunches, and schools are responding to concerns about nutrition.  Schools have to keep in mind what children like to eat, as well as what is best for them,” reminds Mount.
    The food itself is not the only thing that makes a good lunch.  The Nutritional Services Department at Children’s Hospital suggests lunch is more appetizing if it is fun.  
     These suggestions will also help make a better lunch: Meat sliced thin and then stacked is easier to bite than one thick slice; Spread mayonnaise, mustard, etc. to the edge of the slice of the bread so the moist filling will not make the bread soggy; Wrap tomato slices, lettuce leaves and other vegetables in clear plastic wrap or foil so they will stay crisp.  Put them on the sandwich just before eating.
      For more information, visit the American Food Service Association Web site at www.asfsa.org or call the Children’s Hospital Community Relations Department at (865) 541-8165.

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